By Mrinal Talukdar
Assam is on the cusp of an epic political rivalry that promises to overshadow all else in the state’s political landscape. Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma (55) and Gaurav Gogoi (41) are set to engage in a protracted duel that could define Assam’s politics for decades. Their enmity, long simmering beneath the surface, erupted into full view during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
The Jorhat Defeat: A Personal Blow
Despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing 11 out of 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam, the loss in Jorhat has cast a significant shadow over their victory. Himanta Biswa Sarma personally led the BJP’s campaign in Jorhat, only to suffer a humiliating defeat by a margin of 1.4 lakh votes to Congress candidate Gaurav Gogoi. This loss has not only dented Himanta’s prestige but also sparked rare dissent within the BJP, challenging his leadership and highlighting internal rifts.
Himanta’s departure from Congress years ago was partly due to his perception that Tarun Gogoi was promoting his son, Gaurav, over him. Now, this rivalry has become even bigger, with both leading opposing parties. The 2026 battle for Chief Ministership is likely to be a direct contest between Himanta and Gaurav, symbolizing a clash between Lower Assam and Upper Assam.
Controversial Remarks and Immediate Backlash
Following the defeat, Himanta made a controversial remark that added fuel to the fire. He alleged that a particular religion, implicitly referring to Christians, did not vote for the NDA in four states where the BJP drew a blank. “Regarding results in Nagaland, Manipur, and Meghalaya, my specific observation is that leaders from a particular religion—who usually do not get into politics—decided to fight the NDA. We can fight political opponents but not religious leaders,” Himanta stated.
Gaurav Gogoi wasted no time in condemning Himanta’s remarks. “I condemn the irresponsible and reckless statement of the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma. He does not have the maturity to accept the responsibility for the losses of the NDA in Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Manipur. I appeal to the Chief Ministers of the respective states to publicly condemn the statement. Together we must preserve the unique identity of the Northeast,” Gaurav declared. This public condemnation not only highlighted the growing enmity between the two leaders but also intensified the backlash against Himanta within his own party.
Internal Dissent within the BJP
The Jorhat defeat exposed significant cracks within the Assam BJP. BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia publicly criticized the party’s campaign strategy, attributing the loss to arrogance. “Money, big publicity, overdoses of leaders, and arrogant speeches do not always help to win elections,” Saikia stated, congratulating Gaurav Gogoi on his victory. Saikia’s comments prompted a stern response from Himanta, who suggested that Saikia might defect to the Congress.
This episode highlighted the ongoing tension between the old and new factions within the Assam BJP. Mrinal Saikia, a former member of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and a two-time BJP MLA, emphasized his long-standing association with the party, rooted in the teachings of BJP veterans like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, and Murli Manohar Joshi. “I learnt today from HCM Himanta Biswa, sir, that congratulating someone from the opposition is a crime nowadays,” Saikia expressed on social media, underlining his disappointment over being reprimanded for showing respect to an opponent’s victory.
Siddhartha Bhattacharya, the BJP MLA from Guwahati East and former state chief, also congratulated Gaurav Gogoi, describing his win as a “political coronation.” Bhattacharya noted that Gaurav won this election on his own merit, unlike previous victories attributed to his father, Tarun Gogoi. This recognition of Gaurav’s independent success further underscored the internal dissent within the BJP.
Criticism of Himanta’s Leadership Style
Former Union Minister Rajen Gohain had previously criticized Himanta Biswa Sarma for courting Muslim votes despite having spoken against the community. Gohain, a four-time BJP MP from Nowgong, warned that newer BJP leaders, many of whom switched from other parties, were sidelining older members and tampering with the party’s ideology. “The days of dividing the party into old and new camps are over. We hope the State BJP president will apprise our national president of such views for necessary action to be taken,” Gohain was quoted as saying.
The Rise of Gaurav Gogoi
Gaurav Gogoi’s victory in Jorhat is not just a personal win but a significant political milestone for the Congress. As the party’s face in the Lok Sabha, his triumph in a high-stakes battle, orchestrated against Himanta’s aggressive campaign, marks a resurgence for Congress in Assam. Gaurav’s ability to resonate with the middle class and youth in Jorhat, coupled with his strategic campaigning, proved pivotal.
The Road Ahead
The loss in Jorhat has exposed cracks within the Assam BJP, with dissenting voices challenging Himanta Biswa Sarma’s leadership. The old-versus-new factionalism, criticism of the campaign’s arrogance, and the backlash against controversial remarks have all contributed to a turbulent post-election scenario. As the BJP navigates this internal discord, the significance of Gaurav Gogoi’s victory and the need for introspection within the party are clear. The evolving political landscape in Assam suggests a need for more inclusive and respectful campaigning, grounded in the values of the party’s founding leaders.
In the coming months, it will be crucial for the BJP to address these internal issues and realign its strategy to maintain its stronghold in Assam and the broader Northeast region. The personal defeat of Himanta Biswa Sarma in Jorhat, coupled with the broader discontent within the party, underscores the importance of humility, respect, and unity in political leadership.
The epitaph
As Himanta waits for an opportunity to hit back, the rivalry between him and Gaurav Gogoi is set to become increasingly personal. This duel promises to give the people of Assam a stark choice between two distinct political leaders. In simple terms, Himanta has found a worthy political challenger in Gaurav, who is 14 years his junior. The unfolding drama between these two leaders is bound to shape the future of Assam’s politics, offering a fascinating spectacle for political observers and the electorate alike.